Hollyford track and Milford Sound New Zealand
great walks in the Fiordland wilderness

Your trip begins in Queenstown with transport to the Hollyford Valley in Fiordland where your three day Hollyford Track Walk begins. Walking on Fiordland National Park's Hollyford Track is for hiking enthusiasts and for those with a yearning to explore this isolated and pristine wilderness. Enjoy the benefit of experienced guides and supplementary transport as required, to ensure this is a fantastic experience.

The Hollyford 3 Day Wilderness Journey is an all-inclusive spectacular walk from the mountains to the sea that is suitable for a wide range of fitness levels. Unlike any other walk, the scenery is geologically spectacular and ever changing - snow capped mountains, glaciers, rainforests, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, reefs, sand dunes and surf. The experiences are diverse- hiking, wildlife interaction, historical tales, jet boating, and a magnificent scenic flight to Milford Sound.

Included in the package is return transport from Queenstown to the track, meals, snacks, accommodation, and use of backpacks and rain jackets. Accommodation is in our sophisticated lodges with twin share rooms. Our expert guides will ensure your group (maximum 16 people) experience New Zealand's wilderness at its best.

The season operates from November through to April.

Pre Departure Briefing
The evening prior to departure walkers meet with your guide who will explain the details of the Track; arrange storage for your surplus luggage and hand out rain jackets and backpacks to those requiring them.

Fitness:
The days are long but not difficult. We have guests from the ages of 10 to 84 doing the walk and as long as you are an actively fit person you will manage the walk. Remember you only carry your pack on the first day's walk in and the last day's walk out if your are doing the walk out tour, the rest of the time it is taken by boat / plane.

Day One: Waterfalls, Pyke River Lodge, Glow Worms

Depart Queenstown at 7am, travel along side the beautiful Lake Wakatipu and on to Te Anau. After a brief stop, depart for the Hollyford Valley and travel through the majestic Eglington Valley to the start of the Track in the Hollyford Valley visiting Gunn's Camp museum on the way. Then re-trace the footsteps of early explorers along the Hollyford River to Pyke River Lodge. As the Track undulates gently through native beech forest and beside tumbling waterfalls enjoy interesting historical tales and interpretation of the forest and bird life. In the evening you can visit our nearby glow-worm colony.

Walking Distance: Approx 17kms (12miles).

Day Two: Lakes, Jet Boating and 1000 year old trees

Begin your day with a short walk to Lake Alabaster and learn of the history and geology of the area whilst in the midst of stunning surroundings. Cross Fiordland's longest swing bridge and then enjoy a captivating jet boat journey down the Hollyford River and across Lake McKerrow to the historic site of Jamestown that was intended to be the capital of the South Island in the late 1900's. Walk through the ancient Podocarp forest (New Zealand native pines) with huge Rimu, Totara and Kahikatea trees wrapped in massive Rata vines. Arrive at Martin's Bay Lodge by 5pm.

Walking Distance: Approx 12kms (7miles).

Day Three: Wildlife Experience, Martins Bay Beach and Coastline /Scenic Flight to Milford Sound

Walk through the young rejuvenating forest of Jerusalem Creek and visit the fur seal colony at Long Reef on the wild West Coast. You may see the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin. Travel by jet boat to the beach and explore the seven kilometre Martins Bay Beach sand-dunes and lagoon. Learn about its history and its plant, sea and bird life. Return to Martins Bay Lodge and then enjoy a scenic flight to Milford Sound, with views of the Track route, Hollyford Valley and Mt Tutoko, Fiordland's highest peak. Board your coach for your return journey to Queenstown with stops of interest along the way. Arrive back no later than 7.30pm.
Walking Distance: Approx 8 kms (5 miles).

There is an option, at additional cost, to cruise Milford Sound if you wish.

Day Three: Walk Out Option (Day 3): Martins Bay Lodge to Queenstown This option replaces Day 3 of the Fly Out Standard OptionAn early morning boat journey takes you up Lake McKerrow to the confluence of the Hollyford and Pyke Rivers. Return with your guide to the start of the Track. Observe the flora's transformation from the windswept, salt stunted bushes at the sea to the dense beech forest of the inland mountain valley. Return to Queenstown by coach. Arrive back no later than 7.30pm.

Please see also Hollyford Track Accommodation